Naturalization

The legal work behind the U.S. citizenship and naturalization process is quite complex and needs to be filed correctly to avoid rejections and delay.

There are two main ways by which you are considered a U.S. citizen:

If you are born in any state of the United States of America
By the process of naturalization

About the Naturalization Process

You may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old. Those under 18 years old are naturalized if they meet some residency requirements when their parents are naturalized.

To start with your naturalization process, the eligibility requirements that Congress outlines in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) must be met.

Applying and keeping in mind all the rules and regulations is crucial. Hiring an immigration lawyer can speed up the process and they can offer support along the way.

Some of the Naturalization requirements include:

The age factor is 18 years or above, with 5 years of continuous permanent residency since becoming a legal permanent resident (aka Green Card holder).
Your spouse is a U.S. citizen, and you have been a permanent resident for at least 3 years.
Proof of your continuous physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months.

Application for Naturalization: N-400 is the Form to file when applying for citizenship.

Apart from a general application document relating to your travel history (if any during your permanent residency period), you must provide other information, such as 5 years’ worth of your tax returns, marriage, divorce, or widowed certificates, and a certification if you had your name legally changed. If you have ever been on probation or detained, proper documents and certifications are required for your proof of clearance of any charges.

It is necessary to work with an experienced attorney in law with up-to-date knowledge of the current immigration law and practices when dealing with naturalization processes.

English Language Skills

Do you have a working knowledge of American history and government (civics) and the ability to speak, read, and write in basic English?

During your interview, a USCIS officer will assess your civics knowledge and English reading, writing, and speaking skills. Candidates frequently fail the naturalization test because they cannot respond to the interview questions in English.

When you submit your application, you should be ready for the English section of the naturalization test. Your understanding of American history and government will also be examined during your naturalization interview (civics). We have information on the test and study guides available.

If you’re looking for English or citizenship lessons in your area, get in touch with your neighborhood community college or adult education program.

If you have a medical condition that makes it impossible for you to demonstrate your understanding of English or civics, you may not be required to take the English and civics components of the naturalization test. Your doctor must complete the Form to request this exemption.

Travel History

As a permanent resident, you must provide proof of all overseas travel for the previous five years. Your naturalization interview requires you to bring all your current and expired passports and any travel documentation provided by USCIS, even if you haven’t left the country since becoming a permanent resident. Your case can be delayed if you don’t bring your passport(s) and other necessary paperwork to your interview.

More Information

In general, you can apply for naturalization once you meet the following requirements:

Continuous residence: Live in the United States as a permanent resident for a specific amount of time.
Physical presence: Show that you have been physically present in the United States for specific time periods.
Time in state or USCIS district: Show that you have lived in your state or USCIS district for a specific amount of time.
Good moral character: Show that you have behaved in a legal and acceptable manner.
English and civics: Know basic English and information about U.S. history and government.
Attachment to the Constitution: Understand and accept the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

You may qualify for certain exceptions and modifications if:
● You are a U.S. national,
● You are employed abroad in a qualifying category,
● You have qualifying military service, or
● You are the spouse, child, or parent of certain U.S. citizens

We help guide clients through the immigration process. Call us today for an appointment with our immigration attorneys.